The Masquerader (1933)
A gripping pre-Code drama in which Ronald Colman plays both a drug-addicted MP and the cousin hired to secretly take his place.
The Masquerader - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Masquerader
- Release Year: 1933
- Directed by: Richard Wallace
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 20m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 3, 1933 (United States - NR)
- Alternative Titles: O Acaso é Tudo (BR)
- Production Companies: Samuel Goldwyn Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Masquerader - Plot
A drug-addicted member of Parliament needs to take time off and secretly pull his life together, so he gets his lookalike cousin to agree to temporarily assume his identity.
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The Masquerader - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Richard Wallace
Main Cast
- Ronald Colman
- Elissa Landi
- Juliette Compton
- Halliwell Hobbes
- David Torrence
- Claude King
- Helen Jerome Eddy
- Creighton Hale
- Eric Wilton
- Olaf Hytten
Writers
- Howard Estabrook
Producers
- Samuel Goldwyn
The Masquerader - FAQs
What is The Masquerader about?
The Masquerader follows a drug-addicted British MP who secretly steps away from public life to get clean, arranging for his lookalike cousin to impersonate him in Parliament. The deception grows complicated when the cousin falls for the MP's wife, raising questions of identity, love, and loyalty.
Does Ronald Colman play a dual role in this film?
Yes! Ronald Colman pulls double duty, playing both Sir John Chilcote, the troubled MP, and his cousin John Loder, who steps in as his stand-in. It's a showcase performance that highlights Colman's charm and range, making the two characters feel genuinely distinct despite sharing the same face.
Is The Masquerader a pre-Code Hollywood film?
It is. Released in September 1933, The Masquerader arrived before the strict enforcement of the Hays Code in 1934. That pre-Code status allows the film to address drug addiction and marital infidelity with a frankness that later Hollywood productions of the era simply couldn't match.
Who directed The Masquerader?
Richard Wallace directed the film for producer Samuel Goldwyn. Wallace was a reliable Hollywood craftsman of the era, and here he keeps the drama taut and character-focused, letting Colman's dual performance take center stage without overloading the story with unnecessary spectacle.
Who are the main cast members in The Masquerader?
Ronald Colman leads the cast in his dual role, with Elissa Landi playing Eve Chilcote, the wife caught between two versions of the same man. Juliette Compton, Halliwell Hobbes, and David Torrence round out a strong supporting ensemble that keeps the intrigue grounded and believable.
What films are similar to The Masquerader?
If you enjoy The Masquerader, classic pre-Code dramas like Baby Face (1933), One Way Passage (1932), and The Public Enemy (1931) offer a similar flavour of bold, morally complex storytelling. For the identity-swap angle specifically, Jonathan (2018) is a more modern take on the dual-identity premise.
Who were the key behind-the-scenes talents on this film?
The film boasts impressive behind-the-camera credentials. Gregg Toland, who would later shoot Citizen Kane, served as cinematographer, lending the film a polished visual quality. Alfred Newman composed the score, and Howard Estabrook wrote the screenplay, adapting the story for the screen.
When was The Masquerader released in the United States?
The Masquerader opened in the United States on September 3, 1933. It was produced by Samuel Goldwyn Productions and released during the final months of Hollywood's pre-Code era, giving it a freedom of subject matter that makes it stand out among studio dramas of its time.
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